Crime Alerts
(Last updated 03/25/08)
This page is dedicated to
providing our citizens with information regarding crime trends in Hickory Hills
and helpful tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Over
the last year we have seen an increase in thefts from motor vehicles. The
majority of these thefts occurred simply because the vehicle owner did not lock
the car doors. Criminals will simply try the door handle to see if it is
unlocked. If the door is unlocked they will enter the car and take whatever they
can. If the door is locked they move onto another vehicle. The rest of the
thefts occur when the criminal observes valuables inside of the car. If they see
a radar detector, GPS system or other valuables they will smash out the side
window and remove those items.
To
help prevent you from becoming a victim, ensure you lock you car door and try to
remove all valuables from view. Park your vehicle in the driveway close to a
well lit area. You may also want to put your garage door opener in the glove box
or center counsel out of view to prevent someone from gaining access to your
garage or home.
We
have also had a slight increase in crimes against the elderly. These crimes
include thefts of wallets and purses from shopping centers. The criminal will
steal the purse or wallet from the shopping cart either in the store or out in
the parking lot. The criminals will work in pairs of two. One criminal will
distract the victim by asking for help or directions. While the victim is
distracted, the second criminal will remove the wallet from the purse or just
take the purse. Within minutes the criminals will have left the area and used
whatever credits cards were in the wallet.
When
shopping, try to leave your purse in the trunk of your vehicle. Only bring in
your identification and credit cards, checks or cash. Keep alert for people
following you in the store or if they follow you out of the store. Ask for
assistance from store employees when you leave. If a criminal does try to take
your purse, DO NOT FIGHT THEM. Yell for help and bring attention to the fact
they are stealing from you.
Safety In The Home:
1.
Do not let strangers into your
home. Ask for identification from anyone asking to be let into your home. When
in doubt contact the police and ask for assistance.
2.
Ensure you shred all of your old
mail and bills before you throw them away.
3.
Do not have the bank mail your new
checks to your home. Pick them up from the bank.
4.
If going on vacation, ensure all of
your doors and windows are locked. This includes the door to your garage. Inform
the Hickory Hills Police that you would like an extra watch on your home during
the time you are away. Have a trusted neighbor or other family member pick up
your mail and your newspaper.
Lottery
Scams
For the last few years we
have seen an increase in Lottery Scams. These scams usually start out with a
letter or an E-mail indicating to you that you have won a lottery prize. The
letter or E-mail will advise you that you will have to send them a sum of money
in order to receive a larger sum of money. Obviously this is a scam and once you
send them the money you are out of luck. The problem with these crimes is that
they almost always originate overseas and we as a local police department can
not further investigate them.
Remember…
If
it’s to good to be true…It usually is.
Spring
is finally here!! Hopefully the warmer weather is not far behind. Make sure you
review the previous crime tips.
Remember
we are a community and we should look out for each other. Report any suspicious
activity to the police when you observe it. You can call “911” or the
non-emergency number 598-4900 to report any crimes.
As
with the surrounding communities, we have seen our share of home burglaries. A
common ploy for these criminals is to ring doorbells or knock on doors of the
intended victims. If someone answers the door the offender will come up with an
excuse as to why they are there. Usually they will say they are lost and will
ask for directions. Normally people
who are lost will stop at gas stations or at police departments to ask for
directions. If this happens to you it never hurts to call the police. It is
always better to err on the side of caution.